Press Room

Gov. Ritter signs Capitol Dome Repair Bills (Sen. Bacon's HB 1402)

Tuesday, May 25 2010

Gov. Bill Ritter today signed two bills that create a public-private financing and fundraising strategy to repair the State Capitol’s iconic but deteriorating gold dome. Construction is scheduled to start in spring 2011 and could last three years.

“The Capitol dome is a vital part of Denver’s skyline and Colorado’s history, and we have a responsibility to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy this landmark just as generations past and present have,” Gov. Ritter said. “These are tough economic times, and finding the necessary funds to pay for repairs was challenging. The bills I’m signing today represent a common-sense compromise and will allow us to preserve a key piece of Colorado’s heritage.”

House Bill 1402, sponsored by Rep. Jim Riesberg and Sen. Bob Bacon, authorizes the Legislature’s Capital Development Committee to oversee a two-year fundraising campaign that will solicit private funds to help repair the dome.

At the same time, Senate Bill 192, sponsored by Sen. Mike Kopp and Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, allows for the use of taxpayer dollars in the State Historical Fund, administered by the State Historical Society, to also help cover the cost of repairs and safety improvements, especially in the first year.

Together, both bills will raise the estimated $11.6 million necessary to restore the dome, which is visited by thousands of school children, families and tourists each year.

“The Capitol and its dome are among the most recognizable symbols of our great state,” Rep. Riesberg said. “It is a must-see tourist attraction and people throughout Colorado take pride in this historic landmark. With House Bill 1402, we’ll be able to create a cause-related marketing campaign that combines both public and private investment to complete the restoration without competing with other preservation projects throughout the state. Fifteen other states use this method for the preservation and restoration of their state Capitols.”

“Too much of the time, bipartisan solutions are elusive,” Sen. Kopp said. “I'm pleased the Governor is signing SB 192 and that we didn't let this opportunity get away from us."

In fiscal year 2010-11, the State Historical Fund will contribute $4 million to restoring the dome. For the two subsequent years, any private fundraising would reduce the $ 4 million annual contributions from the State Historic Fund. 

The dome is no stranger to donations. Colorado gold miners donated 200 ounces of gold to the state in 1908 for use on the dome to mark the completion of construction of the Capitol building.

For a complete list of Gov. Ritter’s 2010 legislation decisions, visit www.colorado.gov/governor or click here.